UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier start time, main card, predictions, latest odds
Dustin Poirier is gearing up for what could tonight be his final UFC fight as he takes on lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
‘The Diamond’ has hinted at retirement as he bids to become undisputed champion at the third - and potentially final – attempt.
Poirier held the interim lightweight strap in 2019 but was beaten by Khabib Nurmagomedov via submission before Charles Oliveira defeated him in a 2021 title bout.
Makhachev has since established himself as the promotion’s pound-for-pound king, beating Oliveira for the title in 2022 before retaining twice against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023.
The chief support of the evening sees Sean Strickland look to bounce back from his middleweight title defeat to Dricus Du Plessis in January as he takes on Paulo Costa.
UFC 302 date and venue
UFC takes place tonight, Saturday June 1, 2024 at the Prudential Center, in Newark, New Jersey.
UFC 302 start time
The early prelims are scheduled to start at 11.15pm UK time, before the regular prelims begin at 1am on the morning of Sunday, June 2 in the UK.
The main card is expected to start at 3am BST.
UFC 302 fight card
Main Card
Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier
Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa
Kevin Holland vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Niko Price vs Alex Morono
Randy Brown vs Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Prelims
Cesar Almeida vs Roman Kopylov
Jailton Almeida vs Alexandr Romanov
Grant Dawson vs Joe Solecki
Phil Rowe vs Jake Matthews
Early prelims
Ailin Perez vs Joselyne Edwards
Mitch Raposo vs Andre Lima
New UFC gloves explained
The UFC have introduced a new style of gloves for fighters to wear to reduce eye pokes, cuts and hand injuries.
While the style remains fingerless, they have fewer seams on the outside to prevent cuts and abrasions, with new foam added to provide maximum flexibility and impact-absorbing protection.
Title bouts will see fighters were gold gloves and all other fighters will wear them in black.
Poirier has backed the idea, saying: "I think they're more comfortable, it's easier to make a fist.
"I do think there might be more cuts because the padding isn't as dense. I feel like the knuckles are gonna pierce through that padding.
Makhachev, however, expressed reservations.
“Honestly I don’t like too much because they become very old after I use them in two weeks.
"They feel a bit harder, but almost the same. But when you try to open your fingers it’s a little difficult. They keep your fingers closed a bit.”
How to watch UFC 302
TV channel: In the UK, UFC 302 is being shown live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage of the prelim fights beginning at 1am GMT.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also watch UFC 302 online via the Discovery+ website or app.
UFC 302 odds
Makhachev to win: 1/6
Poirier to win: 9/2
Odds via Bet65 and subject to change.
